U.S. patent application number 13/990581 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-14 for ion generator.
This patent application is currently assigned to Koganei Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Yoshinari Fukada. Invention is credited to Yoshinari Fukada.
Application Number | 20130299717 13/990581 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46382675 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130299717 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fukada; Yoshinari |
November 14, 2013 |
ION GENERATOR
Abstract
In an ion generator, a flexible discharge electrode 44 composed
of one wire is provided to a base 43, and a turning motion of a
free end 44b of the discharge electrode 44 about a fixed end 44a of
the discharge electrode 44 is performed by repulsive force of a
corona discharge generated by supplying a high voltage to the fixed
end 44a. Therefore, in comparison with a discharge electrode
composed of a bundle of thin wires, it is possible to significantly
reduce dust emission from the free end 44b of the discharge
electrode 44, and to further improve the ion generator 30 in
maintenance interval. Since the discharge electrode 44 is compose
of one wire, it is possible to reduce the discharge electrode 44 in
size, easily observe the state of the discharge electrode 44, and
simplify its maintenance. Since the discharge electrode 44 performs
a turning motion, it is possible to transport the generated air
ions EI to a wide area of a packaging film 10, and to enhance
ionizing efficiency.
Inventors: |
Fukada; Yoshinari; (Tokyo,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fukada; Yoshinari |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Koganei Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
46382675 |
Appl. No.: |
13/990581 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
August 29, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2011/069472 |
371 Date: |
May 30, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
250/426 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01T 23/00 20130101;
H01T 19/00 20130101; H01J 27/08 20130101; F24F 3/166 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
250/426 |
International
Class: |
H01J 27/08 20060101
H01J027/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 28, 2010 |
JP |
2010-292022 |
Claims
1. An ion generator comprising a flexible discharge electrode which
is composed of one wire, and which has a fixed end and a free end,
wherein a turning motion of the free end about the fixed end is
performed by repulsive force of a corona discharge generated by
supplying a high voltage to the fixed end.
2. The ion generator according to claim 1, further comprising a
turning-motion control member for controlling a turning motion of
the discharge electrode.
3. The ion generator according to claim 1, wherein the discharge
electrode is set to 100 micrometers or less in diameter size.
4. The ion generator according to claim 1, wherein the discharge
electrode is formed of titanium alloy.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an ion generator for
generating air ions which are used for neutralizing and eliminating
static electricity from an electrically-charged object such as for
example a jig for assembling electronic parts, and a packaging film
made of plastic material.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] When a packaging film made of plastic material, a jig for
assembling electronic parts, or the like is electrically charged,
since the electronic parts may be broken by static electricity, or
dusts and the like may be attached to those objects by static
electricity, their assembling workability and packaging workability
tend to be reduced. Therefore, in order to prevent their
workability from being reduced by static electricity or to improve
yield rate, an ion generator also referred to as an ionizer or an
ion generator is used.
[0003] The ion generator is an apparatus for generating positive or
negative air ions to electrically neutralize and eliminate static
electricity by supplying the air ions to an electrically-charged
section. The ion generator is provided with an electrode such as a
discharge needle to which a high voltage is applied, and an
alternating voltage or a pulse-like direct voltage of several
kilovolts (for example, 7 kilovolts) or higher is applied to this
electrode. When the high voltage is applied to the electrode, a
corona discharge is generated from the electrode, and air around
the electrode is ionized by this corona discharge.
[0004] For example, techniques disclosed in Patent Document 1 are
known an ion generator such as this. In the techniques disclosed in
Patent Document 1, a bundle electrode composed of thin wires
bundled like a brush are used as an electrode. A high voltage is
applied to the bundle electrode from a high voltage supply, and
each thin wire of the bundle electrode is electrified by
application of the high voltage. Then, because of electrification
of the thin wires, the thin wires repel one another, the distal end
portion of the bundle electrode is expanded radially, and the
corona discharge is generated in this state. In this manner, in the
techniques described in Patent Document 1, air ions are generated
in a large area to improve ionizing efficiency while downsizing
this apparatus by using the bundle electrode.
PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS
Patent Documents
[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
Publication No. 2008-034220 (FIG. 1)
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0006] However, according to the techniques disclosed in the above
Patent Document 1, for example, since a bundle electrode is
composed of 100 ultrafine thin wires made of stainless steel and
bundled like a brush, this apparatus encounters such a problem that
dust emission from the thin wires is caused along with corona
discharge. More specifically, the amount of dust emission to the
outside is increased with increase in the number of the bundled
thin wires. And dusts attached to the thin wires reduces the
generation amount of air ions (ionizing efficiency is lowered).
[0007] Furthermore, in the bundled thin wires of this electrode,
thin wires as its central part largely differ in bending
deformation from thin wires as its outer peripheral part. More
specifically, when the diameter of the distal end portion of the
bundle electrode is radially expanded at the time of corona
discharge, the thin wires of the central part are approximately
straight and do not undergo bending deformation almost at all,
while the thin wires as the outer peripheral part largely undergo
bending deformation (for example, bent at a right angle).
Therefore, since the thin wires as the outer peripheral part are
easily broken (worn), and it is necessary to frequently observe the
state of the bundle electrode, thereby causing complicated
maintenance.
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an ion
generator simplified in maintenance and improved in ionizing
efficiency.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0009] An ion generator according to the present invention
comprises a flexible discharge electrode which is composed of one
wire, and which has a fixed end and a free end; wherein repulsive
force of a corona discharge generated by supplying a high voltage
to the fixed end causes the free end side to carry out a turning
motion around the fixed end.
[0010] The ion generator according to the present invention further
comprises a turning-motion control member for controlling a turning
motion of the discharge electrode.
[0011] In the ion generator according to the present invention, the
discharge electrode is set to 100 micrometers or less in diameter
size.
[0012] In the ion generator according to the present invention, the
discharge electrode is formed of titanium alloy.
Effects of the Invention
[0013] Since the ion generator according to the present invention
comprises a flexible discharge electrode composed of one wire, and
a turning motion of the free end of the discharge electrode about
the fixed end is performed by repulsive force of a corona discharge
generated by supplying a high voltage to the fixed end, in
comparison with a bundle electrode composed of thin wires, dust
emission from the free end of the discharge electrode can be
significantly reduced, and this apparatus can be further enhanced
in maintenance interval. Since the discharge electrode is composed
of one wire, the downsized ion generator can be realized, the state
of the discharge electrode can be easily observed, and its
maintenance can be simplified. Since the discharge electrode
performs a turning motion, the generated air ions can be
transported to a wide area of an object to be electrically
neutralized, and ionizing efficiency can be improved.
[0014] Since the ion generator according to the present invention
further comprises a turning-motion control member for controlling a
turning motion of the discharge electrode, the side of a delivery
area to which the generated air ions are carried can be arbitrarily
controlled in accordance with, for example, the shape of the object
to be electrically neutralized.
[0015] In the ion generator according to the present invention,
since the discharge electrode is set to 100 micrometers or less in
diameter, the discharge electrode has sufficient flexibility, and
the generated air ions can be transported to a wide area.
[0016] In the ion generator according to the present invention,
since the discharge electrode is formed of titanium alloy, in
comparison with for example tungsten alloy, dust emission can be
reduced while ensuring high strength, and this apparatus can be
further enhanced in maintenance interval.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram explaining one application
case of an ion generator according to the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram explaining the structure of
the ion generator according to the first embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 3 is an A-arrow diagram explaining the size of a
delivery area to which air ions are carried, in the ion generator
shown in FIG. 2;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram corresponding to that of
FIG. 2, and showing a comparison example of the ion generator
(fixed discharge electrode specification);
[0021] FIG. 5 is a B-arrow diagram explaining the size of a
delivery area to which air ions are carried, in the ion generator
(comparison example) shown in FIG. 4;
[0022] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram explaining the structure of
the ion generator according to the second embodiment;
[0023] FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams explaining a first
setup state (delivery width: small) of the ion generator shown in
FIG. 6;
[0024] FIGS. 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams explaining a second
setup state (delivery width: middle) of the ion generator shown in
FIG. 6;
[0025] FIGS. 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams explaining a third
setup state (delivery width: large) of the ion generator shown in
FIG. 6;
[0026] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram explaining a main section
of the ion generator according to the third embodiment; and
[0027] FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are explanatory diagrams
respectively explaining the structures of the ion generators
according to fourth to sixth embodiments.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0028] Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention
will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0029] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram explaining one application
case of an ion generator according to the present invention, FIG. 2
is an explanatory diagram explaining the structure of the ion
generator according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is an
A-arrow diagram explaining the size of a delivery area to which air
ions are carried, in the ion generator shown in FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a case in which an ion generator 30 is applied
to a film supplying apparatus 20 which supplies a packaging film
(object) 10. The ion generator 30 is used for electrically
neutralizing and eliminating static electricity from the packaging
film 10 as an object to be electrically neutralized.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ion generator 30 is provided
with: a device main body 40 which generates air ions "EI"; a
power-supply unit 50 which supplies a high voltage of about 5
kilovolts to the device main body 40; and a power-supply cable 60
which has a first-end side electrically connected to the
power-supply unit 50, and a second-end side electrically connected
to the device main body 40.
[0032] Additionally, although the power-supply unit 50 shown in
FIG. 2 is configured to supply a positive high voltage, it may
supply a negative high voltage. Furthermore, both a positive
high-voltage power-supply unit and a negative high-voltage
power-supply unit may be prepared so as to supply these high
voltages to respective device main bodies 40.
[0033] The device main body 40 is a so-called bar type ionizer, and
is mounted to a predetermined portion of a supporting frame (not
shown) forming the film supplying apparatus 20, and located so as
to face the moving packaging film 10. The device main body 40 is
configured to generate a corona discharge by application of a high
voltage from the power-supply unit 50, so that surrounding air is
ionized by the corona discharge, and to generate positive or
negative air ions "EI". Then, the generated air ions "EI" are
sprayed toward the packaging film 10.
[0034] The thin sheet-shaped packaging film 10 is made of plastic
material, and its distal-end side is fed in the direction of an
arrow "M" by rotary drive of a pair of roller members 21 and 22 in
the directions of arrows in the drawing. In this process, the
packaging film 10 is electrostatically charged when the film is
brought into contact with and then separated from the roller
members 21 and 22. And, in order to immediately electrically
neutralize and eliminate the static electricity, and to prevent
dusts and the like from being attached to this film, the packaging
film 10 is passed through the device main body 40 just after
passing through the roller members 21 and 22.
[0035] The device main body 40 has a plurality of discharge nozzles
41, and the discharge nozzles 41 are arranged at regular intervals
along the longitudinal direction of the device main body 40. The
air ions "EI" are sprayed from each of the discharge nozzles 41
toward the packaging film 10. The air ions "EI" sprayed from the
discharge nozzles 41 reach the packaging film 10, and electrically
neutralize and eliminate the static electricity (shaded area in the
drawing). In this manner, the static electricity can be eliminated
from the packaging film 10 when passing through the device main
body 40.
[0036] In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, the device main body 40 is
disposed so that its longitudinal direction becomes parallel to the
width direction of the packaging film 10 (i.e., direction
orthogonal to the direction of the arrow "M"). However, for
example, if the packaging film 10 is small in width, the device
main body 40 may be disposed so that its longitudinal direction
becomes parallel to the feeding direction of the packaging film 10
(i.e., direction of the arrow "M"). In this case, since the air
ions "EI" can be transported to the electrically-charged portion of
the packaging film 10 for a long period of time,
electrical-neutralization time can be increased correspondingly, so
that electrical neutralization is efficiently carried out.
[0037] Hereinafter, explanation will be given on the assumption
that the packaging film 10 is electrically charged with negative
static electricity (minus), and positive (or plus) air ions "EI"
which are used to electrically neutralize the static electricity,
are sprayed from the discharge nozzles 41.
[0038] The device main body 40 forming the ion generator 30 has a
casing 42 formed into an approximately rectangular parallelepiped
shape. In this casing 42, a plurality of bases 43 is provided at
approximately regular intervals along its longitudinal direction.
Each of the bases 43 is formed into an approximately cylindrical
shape by using resin material such as for example plastic, and
second-end-side terminals (not shown) branched from the
power-supply cable 60 are inserted into the upper ends of the bases
43 in the drawing.
[0039] Fixed ends (base ends) 44a of the discharge electrodes 44
which form the discharge nozzles 41 are respectively inserted into
lower and center portions of the bases 43 in the drawing. The
discharge electrodes 44 are provided so as to correspond to the
respective bases 43, and the fixed ends 44a of the discharge
electrodes 44 are respectively electrically connected to the other
end terminals of the power-supply cable 60 in the bases 43. The
discharge electrodes 44 are respectively electrically connected to
the second-end-side terminals of the power-supply cable 60 in the
respective bases 43 by attaching the discharge nozzles 41 to the
casing 42.
[0040] Each of the discharge electrodes 44 is made of titanium
alloy, and formed into a thread-like shape having a circular cross
section, and its diameter is set to 100 micrometers (0.1
millimeters) or less, for example, to 70 micrometers (0.07
millimeters). Therefore, each of the discharge electrodes 44 made
of titanium alloy having relatively high hardness has flexibility
and is elastically deformable, and a distal-end side of each of the
discharge electrodes 44 is constituted as a free end 44b which can
move freely in the front/rear/left/right directions. Therefore,
repulsive force from the corona discharge generated by application
of the high voltage causes the free end 44b of the discharge
electrode 44 to perform a turning motion around the fixed end 44a
so as to form an approximately conical shape in a predetermined
angle range as shown by two-dot-line arrow in the drawing.
[0041] Here, the size of the turning motion of the free end 44b, in
other words, the size of the circle formed by the free end 44b is
determined by the rigidity of the discharge electrode 44 and the
magnitude of the voltage applied to the discharge electrode 44. For
example, if the discharge electrode 44 is reduced in rigidity, the
discharge electrode 44 can be easily elastically deformed, and as a
result, the turning motion can be increased in size. If the voltage
applied to the discharge electrode 44 is increased, the size of the
repulsive force from the corona discharge can be increased, and the
size of the turning motion can be increased as a result.
[0042] However, when the discharge electrode 44 is composed of a
further-thinned wire, or the applied voltage is further increased,
the amount of the elastic deformation of the discharge electrode 44
at the time of corona discharge becomes too large, and the
discharge electrode 44 may be broken. Therefore, the minimum
diameter of the discharge electrode 44 and the magnitude of the
voltage applied to the discharge electrode 44 are determined in
consideration of the rigidity of the material (for example,
titanium, tungsten, stainless steel) which forms the discharge
electrode 44. In the present embodiment, titanium alloy having
sufficient flexibility and rigidity and capable of suppressing the
amount of dust emission to a low level is used as an optimum
material.
[0043] Furthermore, since each of the discharge electrodes 44 is
provided to the corresponding base 43, and its turning motion is
prevented from being disturbed by contact with other discharge
electrodes 44 and the like, each of the discharge electrodes 44 is
elastically deformed in the same angle range in the
front/rear/left/right directions to carry out turning motions. As a
result, as shown in FIG. 3, the air ions EI can be caused to
circularly reach delivery areas a1 each having a diameter d1 on the
packaging film 10.
[0044] Next, an operation of the above ion generator 30 according
to the first embodiment will be explained with reference to the
drawings.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, when a high voltage of about 5 kilovolts
is supplied to the device main body 40 from the power-supply unit
50 via the power-supply cable 60 by operating a controller (not
shown), the high voltage is applied to the fixed ends 44a of the
discharge electrodes 44. As a result, a corona discharge (not
shown) is generated from the free ends 44b of the discharge
electrodes 44.
[0046] The corona discharge is generated in irregular directions
(front/rear/left/right directions) from the free ends 44b of the
discharge electrodes 44, and repulsive force is generated in a
direction opposite to the generation direction of the corona
discharge. The repulsive force caused by the corona discharge bends
the free end 44b of the discharge electrode 44 in a direction
opposite to the generation direction of the corona discharge. Since
the generation direction of the corona discharge is irregularly
varied, the free end 44b of the discharge electrode 44 performs a
turning motion so as to form an approximately conical shape as
shown by the two-dot chain line in the drawing. Therefore, the
positive air ions EI are sprayed over a wide area of the packaging
film 10 from the free end 44b of the discharge electrode 44.
[0047] Each of the air ions EI sprayed from the free ends 44b of
the discharge electrodes 44, each of which are performing the
turning motion, forms the delivery area a1 having a diameter d1 as
shown in FIG. 3. The delivery areas a1 of the discharge electrodes
44 adjacent to each other are mutually partially overlapped in the
width direction of the packaging film 10 (horizontal direction in
the drawing). Therefore, when the packaging film 10 is moved in the
direction of the arrow "M", the entire area (shaded area in the
drawing) of the electrified part along the width direction of the
packaging film 10 can be electrically neutralized.
[0048] Here, the rotating speed (work feeding speed) of the roller
members 21 and 22 of the film supplying apparatus 20 is set so
that, when focusing on one part of the packaging film 10, it takes
about two seconds for that part to pass through the delivery areas
a1. In other words, the work feeding speed is set so that the
static electricity of the packaging film 10 can be sufficiently
eliminated.
[0049] Next, an ion generator (comparison example) provided with
fixed-type discharge electrodes, each of which is not vibrated,
will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings. Parts
the same in function as those of the ion generator 30 according to
the above first embodiment are denoted by the same reference
symbols, and detail explanation thereof will be omitted.
[0050] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram corresponding to that of
FIG. 2, and showing a comparison example of the ion generator
(fixed discharge electrode specification), and FIG. 5 is a B-arrow
diagram explaining the size of a delivery area to which air ions
are carried, in the ion generator (comparison example) shown in
FIG. 4.
[0051] In the ion generator 70 as a comparison example, fixed-type
discharge needles 71, each of which is not vibrated, are fixed to
respective bases 43. Each diameter of the discharge needles 71 is
set to, for example, 2 millimeters, since each needle has a
sufficient diameter (or rigidity), they are not elastically
deformed (or vibrated) by generation of corona discharge. Fixed
ends (base ends) 71a of the discharge needles 71 are inserted in
the respective bases 43, and their distal ends 71b are tapered so
as to easily generate a corona discharge.
[0052] Air ions EI generated at the distal end 71b of each of the
discharge needles 71, as shown in FIG. 5, form a delivery area a2
having a diameter d2 (d2<d1), and there is no partial overlap
between the delivery areas a2 of the discharge needles 71 adjacent
to each other in the width direction (horizontal direction in the
drawing) of the packaging film 10. In other words,
electrically-charged sections aligned along the width direction are
left in the packaging film 10 passed through the ion generator 70
(device main body 40).
[0053] Here, on the assumption that the distance between the device
main body 40 and the packaging film 10 is set to a value "L", the
delivery area of the ion generator 30 (the present invention) shown
in FIGS. 2 and 3 can be enlarged in comparison with that of the ion
generator 70 (comparison example) shown in FIGS. 4 and 5
(a1>a2). In other words, in order to electrically neutralize the
packaging film 10 without remaining electrically-charged section by
using the apparatus of the comparison example, it is necessary to
increase the distance "L" between the device main body 40 and the
packaging film 10, and this distance leads to an increase in the
mounting space for the ion generator. On the other hand, since the
delivery area can be increased in the ion generator of the present
invention, even if it is difficult to secure a sufficient mounting
space for the ion generator, the delivery area can be supported
(space-saving supporting type).
[0054] In the ion generator 30 according to the above first
embodiment, since the flexibility discharge electrode 44 composed
of one wire is provided to the base 43, and the free end 44b of the
discharge electrode 44 is configured to perform a turning motion
around the fixed end 44a by the repulsive force from the corona
discharge which is generated when a high voltage is supplied to the
fixed end 44a of the discharge electrode 44, in comparison with a
bundle electrode composed of a plurality of thin wires, the amount
of dust emission from the free end 44b of the discharge electrode
44 can be significantly reduced. Therefore, the ion generator 30
can be further improved in maintenance interval. Since the
discharge electrode 44 is composed of a single wire, the downsized
ion generator 30 can be realized, furthermore, the state of the
discharge electrode 44 can be easily observed, and its maintenance
can be simplified. Since the discharge electrode 44 performs the
turning motion, the generated air ions EI can be transported to the
wide area of the packaging film 10, and ionizing efficiency can be
increased.
[0055] Furthermore, according to the ion generator 30 of the first
embodiment, each of the discharge electrodes 44 is made of titanium
alloy, and each diameter size is set to 70 micrometers. Therefore,
for example, in comparison with tungsten alloy, the amount of dust
emission can be reduced while each electrode can have high
mechanical strength, and each electrode can be vibrated while
having sufficient flexibility. Therefore, the ion generator 30 can
be further improved in maintenance interval, and the generated air
ions "EI" can be transported to a wide area.
[0056] Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be
explained in detail with reference to the drawings. Additionally,
parts the same in function as those of the first embodiment are
denoted by the same reference symbols, and detailed explanation
thereof will be omitted.
[0057] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram explaining the structure of
the ion generator according to the second embodiment, FIGS. 7A and
7B are explanatory diagrams explaining a first setup state
(delivery width: small) of the ion generator shown in FIG. 6, FIGS.
8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams explaining a second setup state
(delivery width: middle) of the ion generator shown in FIG. 6, and
FIGS. 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams explaining a third setup
state (delivery width: large) of the ion generator shown in FIG.
6.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 6, the ion generator 80 according to the
second embodiment differs from the ion generator 30 according to
the above first embodiment in that the discharge nozzle 41 (see
FIG. 1) mounted on the casing 42 of the main body 40 is provided
with a turning-motion control member 81 for controlling the turning
motion state of the discharge electrode 41, and its delivery area
of air ions EI on the packaging film 10 is adjustable in width.
[0059] The turning-motion control member 81 is formed of resin
material (non-conductive material) such as for example plastic, and
into an approximately cylindrical shape, and its base-end is
mounted on the base 43 so as to be rotatable in the directions of
broken-line arrows "R". The turning-motion control member 81 is
formed with a slit 82 which extends along its axial direction from
its distal end side toward its base end side, and which faces a
center part of the turning-motion control member 81. The width size
of the slit 82 is set to a value larger in diameter than the
discharge electrode 44, for example, set to 150 to 300 micrometers,
so that the turning motion of the discharge electrode 44 can be
performed in the slit 82 along the formation direction of the slit
82.
[0060] FIGS. 7A, 8A, and 9A are C-arrow views of FIG. 6, since the
diameter of the discharge electrode 44 differs in size from the
width of the slit 82, the discharge electrode 44 is moved so as to
turn in the directions of arrows "S" in the slit 82. And since the
turning-motion state of the discharge electrode 44, in other words,
the direction of the turning motion of the discharge electrode 44
can be controlled with respect to the moving direction of the
packaging film 10 (the direction of the arrow "M") by causing the
turning-motion control member 81 to rotate with respect to the base
43.
[0061] FIGS. 7B, 8B, and 9B are D-arrow views of FIG. 6, as shown
in FIG. 7A, when the relative angle (adjustment angle) of the
turning-motion control member 81 with respect to the base 43 is set
to 0 degree to go into the first adjustment state, the discharge
electrode 44 is regulated by the turning-motion control member 81
so as to perform a turning motion along the direction of the moving
direction "M" of the packaging film 10. As a result, as shown in
FIG. 7B, a delivery area a3 of air ions EI, which has a width W1
and an approximately elliptical shape, can be obtained (delivery
width: small).
[0062] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the relative angle
(adjustment angle) of the discharge electrode 44 regulated by the
turning-motion control member 81 with respect to the base 43 is set
to 45 degrees to go into the second adjustment state, the discharge
electrode 44 is regulated by the turning-motion control member 81
so as to perform a turning motion in a state that the discharge
electrode is shifted by 45 degrees with respect to the moving
direction M of the packaging film 10. As a result, as shown in FIG.
8 (b), the delivery area a3 of the air ions EI which has a width W2
(W2>W1) and an approximately elliptical shape can be obtained
(delivery width: medium).
[0063] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the relative angle
(adjustment angle) of the turning-motion control member 81 with
respect to the base 43 is set to 90 degrees to go into the third
adjustment state, the discharge electrode 44 is regulated by the
turning-motion control member 81 so as to perform a turning motion
in a state where the discharge electrode is shifted by 90 degrees
with respect to the moving direction "M" of the packaging film 10.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 9B, the delivery area a3 of the air
ions EI which has a width W3 (W3>W2) and an approximately
elliptical shape can be obtained (delivery width: large).
[0064] Also in the thus-formed second embodiment, it is possible to
attain the same effects as those of the above first embodiment. In
addition to this, since a turning-motion control member 81 for
controlling the turning-motion state of the discharge electrode 44
is provided in the second embodiment, the size, in other words, the
delivery width of the delivery area a3 of the generated air ions EI
can be arbitrarily controlled in accordance with, for example, the
shape of the packaging film 10 or another object to be electrically
neutralized.
[0065] Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be
explained in detail with reference to the drawings. Additionally,
parts the same in function as those of the above first embodiment
are denoted by the same reference symbols, and detail explanation
thereof will be omitted.
[0066] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram explaining a main section
of the ion generator according to the third embodiment.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 10, the ion generator 90 according to the
third embodiment differs from the ion generator 30 according to the
above first embodiment in that a replaceable discharge-electrode
unit 91 is provided to the discharge nozzle 41 (see FIG. 1) mounted
on the casing 42 of the main body 40, and this replaceable
discharge-electrode unit 91 can be attached to the base 43 in the
detachable manner, and can be replaced with another replaceable
discharge-electrode unit 92 based on another specification.
[0068] The replaceable discharge-electrode unit 91 is formed of
resin material (non-conductive material) such as for example
plastic, and into a cylindrical shape, and the replaceable
discharge-electrode unit 91 is provided with a turning-motion
control cylindrical part 91a of which inner-diameter size is set to
d3. The turning-motion control cylindrical part 91a is configured
to regulate the diameter size of the delivery area a4 of the air
ions EI, which are transported by the discharge electrode 44, to
D1.
[0069] The replaceable discharge-electrode unit 92 is formed of
resin material (non-conductive material) such as for example
plastic, and into a cylindrical shape, and the replaceable
discharge-electrode unit 92 is provided with a turning-motion
control cylindrical part 92a, and its inner-diameter is set to a
value d4 (d4>d3). The turning-motion control cylindrical part
92a is configured to regulate the diameter size of the delivery
area a5 of the air ions EI, which are transported by the discharge
electrode 44, to D2 (D2>D1).
[0070] In this case, each of the turning-motion control cylindrical
parts 91a and 92a constitutes a turning-motion control member in
the present invention.
[0071] Also in the above third embodiment, the same effects as
those of the above first embodiment can be exerted. In addition to
this, since the discharge nozzle 41 is provided with a replaceable
discharge-electrode unit 91, which is exchangeable, in the third
embodiment, in accordance with the shape or the like of the
packaging film 10 or another object to be electrically neutralized,
it is possible to replace the attached replaceable
discharge-electrode unit 91 with the replaceable
discharge-electrode unit 92 having another different
specifications.
[0072] Next, the fourth to sixth embodiments of the present
invention will be explained in detail with reference to the
drawings. Additionally, parts the same in function as those of the
above first embodiment are denoted by the same reference symbols,
and detail explanation thereof will be omitted.
[0073] FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are explanatory diagrams
respectively explaining the structures of the ion generators
according to fourth to sixth embodiments.
[0074] As shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C, each of the ion
generators 100 to 102 according to the fourth to sixth embodiments
differs from the ion generator 30 according to the above first
embodiment in that electrically-grounded opposite electrodes 100a
to 102a made of metal are located around the respective discharge
electrodes 44 or respective opposite portions of the free ends 44b
of the discharge electrodes 44.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 11A, the ion generator 100 according to the
fourth embodiment is provided with an annular opposite electrode
100a which is arranged in a circular pattern so as to ring the same
side of the discharge electrode 44 as the fixed end 44a. By virtue
of this configuration, the generation direction of the corona
discharge from the discharge electrode 44 can be directed to the
opposite electrode 100a, and as a result, it is possible to
increase the angle range of the turning motion of the discharge
electrode 44. Therefore, it is possible to attain the same effects
as those of the first embodiment, and to further increase the
delivery area of the air ions EI with respect to the packaging film
10.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 11B, the ion generator 101 according to the
fifth embodiment is provided with an annular opposite electrode
101a which is arranged in a circular pattern so as to ring the same
side of the discharge electrode 44 as the free end 44b. By virtue
of this configuration, the generation direction of the corona
discharge from the discharge electrode 44 can be directed to the
opposite electrode 101a, and as a result, it is possible to cause
the free end 44b of the discharge electrode 44 to stably perform
the turning motion along the inner periphery of the opposite
electrode 101a. Therefore, it is possible to attain the same
effects as those of the first embodiment, and to further increase
the delivery area of the air ions EI with respect to the packaging
film 10.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 11C, the ion generator 102 according to the
sixth embodiment is provided with a mesh-like (net-like) or a
plate-like opposite electrode 102a located on the far side of the
packaging film 10. As a result, the generation direction of the
corona discharge from the discharge electrode 44 can be reliably
directed to the packaging film 10.
[0078] As explained above, the ion generators 100 to 102 according
to the fourth to sixth embodiments can attain the same effects as
those of the first embodiment, and since they are provided with
opposite electrodes 100a to 102a, it is possible to guide the
generation direction of the corona discharge, and to generate the
corona discharge from the discharge electrode 44 even at a low
voltage. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the amount of
dust emission from the discharge electrode 44, and to save electric
power which is used in the ion generator. Furthermore, since the
generation direction of the corona discharge is guided and directed
to the packaging film 10 so that the air ions EI can be efficiently
transported, the electrical-neutralization time of the packaging
film 10 can be further shortened (electrical-neutralization
efficiency can be further improved). Therefore, the feeding speed
of the packaging film 10 can be increased, and the film supplying
apparatus 20 can be enhanced in efficiency.
[0079] The present invention is not limited to the above
embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications
can be made within the range not departing from the gist thereof.
For example, the above embodiments show the cases in which each of
the discharge electrodes 44 is made of titanium alloy. However, the
present invention is not limited to this material, and a discharge
electrode made of another material such as for example tungsten and
stainless steel may be employed on the basis of the
electrical-neutralization performance (specification) and the like
of the ion generator.
[0080] In the above embodiments, the short distance between the
discharge electrode 44 and the packaging film 10 causes the air
ions EI to reach the packaging film 10. However, the present
invention is not limited to this, and an air supply source may be
connected to the ion generator, and the air ions EI may be sprayed
from the discharge nozzles 41 toward the packaging film 10 together
with supplied air.
[0081] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the positive air ions
"EI" are generated by the discharge electrodes 44. However, the
present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Based on
the electrically-charged state (positive/negative) of the object to
be electrically neutralized, negative air ions EI can be generated
by the discharge electrodes 44, or positive or negative air ions EI
can be alternately generated by the discharge electrodes 44.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0082] The ion generator is used for electrically neutralizing and
eliminating static electricity from for example a jig for
assembling electronic parts, a packaging film composed of a plastic
material, and the like.
* * * * *